Advise with tablet purchase

[Mike Rosato]

Ok guys, I need your advise. This is my first tablet purchase.  Even though, HIP will run on Andriod type OS soon, I want to stick with a windows OS.  I have read through all the topics here on the subject and narrowed it down to 2.  Either the HP Slate 2, which I am a little skeptical about bcz it's so small and tablets feel like a fragile toy in my hands. I also would like to be able to use it to do other work.  I tend to think I will use it only for inspections in the field. I know I can dock it in the office, but I would like to do other work while mobile easily.

The other choice is the NEW 2go Convertible Classmate PC NL3.  I see a lot of guys use NL2 and I'm leaning that way as it is convertible, which I really like, and also rugged which I need.  Also larger drive options are available and can get 4GB RAM. What are the cons other than heavier. What I don't see in the specs and am not that familiar with is, does it have handwriting recognition so I can take field notes without typing? The specs don't say and this is my first tablet?  I like that it is convertible and bigger.

Another one I see is the Dell Inspiron DUO. I havn't researched it yet, but it looks interesting.

Mike

[Dominic Maricic]

The CTl2go is great and what we recommended for a long time. Just make sure to upgrade it above Windows 7 starter for built in handwriting recognition. They install their own program with starter and guys seem to have a harder time initially getting that started. The only con is the weight. If you want a keyboard its definitely the waybto go.

[Dan Musielski]

I placed an order today with CTL for their 2gopc tablet.  I worked with Friedrich; and he was great! He couldn't have been more helpful or pleasant in answering questions; both phone calls and emails.   Having spent a few months tweaking HIP, and my IBM tablet ready for retirement...this should be a good addition.

[Jason Damato]

was the ctl on backorder ? I placed my order on the 21st of Feb.and still havent received it.

[Dan Musielski]

Hi Jason....Actually Yes...the NL3's are on back-order. When I spoke with CTL last week, they were anticipating them in soon(I think a week or two).  However, I decided to opt for an NL2 which they do have in stock.

Both my laptops, an IBM thinkpad R52 & x41 Tablet are from 2005. Dad has all the old computers...my kids have the new one's.  There's something wrong with that picture.

[Jason Damato]

I was promised to have mine by Wednesday so we'll see.

[Jason Damato]

Received a call today. My CTL is due to ship today and I should have it by Friday. Thank god. I cant deal with writing reports off site when I can spend my spare time marketing.

[Richard Leonard]

I'm in the process of making my tablet decision.  Has anyone out there purchased a HP Slate 2?  I've been leaning in that direction but would like some feedback from someone who is actually using one.

[Richard Leonard]

I got your reply Dominic but I really want to move forward with something without looking back.  It seems from these posts that people have chosen the CTL machine so before jumping on the HP Slate2 it would be nice to get some feedback from someone who is actually using it with HIP.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Richard... I don't use a tablet, and probably never will. I know many inspectors that have taken the leap, and regretted the purchase. Have you ever used a tablet before? Have you ever used one in this capacity before? If not, consider purchasing a used machine to try it out. Get a feel for a tablet before spending too much cash for something you may set down and never pick up again. Lot's of the guys here are geeks. If you are an "average" inspector, there is much you won't tolerate.

Call Casey Patten... he purchased a CTL about a year ago (I think) played with it for a while on a couple of inspections, and now it just collects dust. Who knows, perhaps he is willing to sell it? His info is on this MB, or Google "Root River Inspections" in Minnesota.

Good luck. Keep us informed what you went with, and how it works out for you.

[Dan Musielski]

Hi Jeffrey..you do make some good points.  Let me add some additional insight which may be helpful to Richard, and others. I also ordered the CTL2go tablet. I also shipped it back last week to CTL for credit. 

That being said, it's a great little computer. Unfortunately, for me there were some short-coming that just wouldn't work for me. 1st - the screen display was not that crisp and off axis viewing was poor. Harder on my eyes; but for many this may not be a deal breaker. This issue wont slow down most in the field. 2nd - font resolution not crisp when hooked to a large monitor. 

If it wasn't for this 3rd issue...I MAY have kept it.  I use Windows Journal for taking notes.  The CTL has a "Resistive Screen".  When going thru tabs in HIP, and clicking off comments, it works just fine.  If that's how your going to use the computer, you'll be ok! But I take all my notes in Windows Journal, and the Resistive Screen is not nearly as responsive as I've grown accustom too.

That being said...I "DO" use a Tablet in the field. I use an older IBM tablet with a 12" display.  IBM & HP still makes these..but they are a $2000.00 tablet.  The big difference is they use a screen that requires an "Active Digitizer Wacom Pen".  When I write notes in Windows Journal, its like writing on a piece of paper. It works so smooth- with no broken lines.

Before my IBM tablet...I did try an Asus 8.9" tablet with a touch screen.  I returned that for the IBM with the digitizer pen. Tiger direct does have these Tablet as an off-lease product for 350.00.  Yes it's Windows XP tablet edition. I've used this for a few years now...so I have a good feel for what I like and don't like.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2043703&CatId=4947

CTL may be great for some..but I want something with EXCELLENT note taking capability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW1vOkSgxiM

[Richard Leonard]

Thanks for the feedback guys but still confused.  I definitely plan on using a device in the field with HIP for my home inspections.  I went to Best Buy over the weekend to see if there were other options for sale there and they had absolutely nothing that was rugged.  It seems like a tablet with the optional laptop keyboard is the most versatile but I have never tried to us the handwriting recognition that Dan speaks of and Dominic likes.

Dan, you say that you use a tablet for all your home inspections.  Based on your experience is there any need for me to have a keyboard or will the handwriting to text aspect of a tablet get the job done effectively?

Whats your next move after returning the CTL2go?
Feel free if you want to call me and talk about it.
Richard Leonard
203-223-7852

[Dan Musielski]

Hi Richard,

I personally really like HIP on My IBM tablet. It's like driving an old Cadillac, and the CTL is a new Chevy. If your'e new to Inspections(Im not sure if you are), I would take paper/pencil into the field for awhile with a blank HIP report for your notes...and then come home and do your report. If you past that point.....then,

Part of it has do to with how you collect data in the field.  The CTL is really a great little computer, and If I didnt already have a tablet with specific characteristic im use too, it would be a great option.  I really don't use the Keyboard much anymore.  I do most of my typing back on my desktop. 

You asked about my next move.....I would like a Lenovo X201t or x220t, but Im not spending that type of money. I like the HP Slate 2 Dominic talks about, especially since it has an active digitizer which would work well with OneNote or Windows Journal.  The reason Im not spend the $700 on a HP Slate is because I having a functioning tablet; and I may just wait till Windows 8 comes out and see if any new competative slates come on the market. 

Any one of the above option would work great for navigating HIP. Thats what nice about the software.  The rest of the options are a little more subjective.

[Gary Price]

I have used the ctl2go with no problems.  The handle is the item I am most satisfied with as I can keep the thing with me no matter where I am at during the inspection.  I am going to order another one as it has become a key player in completing quality inspections.  Screen can be difficult in direct sun but other than that I have no complaints.

[Tod Tobiasson]

I am trying out the Kindle Fire, at only $200.00 if it gets ruined I can replace it. I can cary it with me anywhere in my cargo pants pocket. I am using it for data collection using HIP mobile Android OS then completing the inspection report back at the office, just uploading and editing photos as well as proofreading before sending out the report.

[Greg Hammond]

How are you liking it so far? That is what I am thinking of doing as well. (Kindle Fire)

[Richard Leonard]

Hey Gary, with the CTL2go, are you using it mostly as a tablet and then busting out the keyboard just occasionally as needed and are you doing most of your report on sight?

[Gary Price]

I never use the tablet portion of it.  Seems to take to long to write as I am a quick typist.  I do most of it onsite, add pictures and proof later on.  If it is a unique condition I will just type a few words and save it as a reminder to expand on it during final production of the report.

[Casey Patten]

Gary, I've had a lot of trouble with my 2go's keyboard...have you noticed that?

[Tod Tobiasson]

Greg, I just got it less than a week ago, it is up and running, I will be using on an inspection friday, only 600 sq ft, should be a great test.